The Secretary of State should take better care of the interests of his constituency

The decision to temporarily remove the ferry *Baldur* from service between Stykkishólmur and Breiðafjörður has sparked significant concern among local residents and businesses, particularly in the area of Vestmannaeyjar. The move was made due to a minor malfunction in the vessel, which required repairs. Initially scheduled to operate for two weeks, from June 7 to June 18, the ferry's service was suspended earlier than planned. A meeting held on June 18 by the local council in Stykkishólmur led to the postponement of the return date to July 20–25. This change has raised questions about the impact on tourism and local economy, as the ferry plays a crucial role in connecting the mainland to the island community.

Local authorities and residents have expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of consultation before the decision was made. Jakob Björgvin Sigríðarson, mayor of Stykkishólmur, emphasized that the ferry’s absence could negatively affect both the tourist industry and the broader economic stability of the region. He pointed out that the ferry *Baldur* typically carries around 250 passengers per day, significantly more than its replacement, *Særún*, which can only accommodate 115. Additionally, *Baldur* handles water transport, moving up to 20 tons of water daily, whereas *Særún* can only manage five to six tons. These differences highlight the importance of *Baldur* in maintaining essential services during peak tourist seasons.

Ingveldur Eyþórsdóttir, a resident of Flatey, echoed these concerns, noting that the reduced capacity of *Særún* has already led to noticeable impacts. She mentioned that while some tour operators have adjusted their schedules, the overall experience for tourists remains suboptimal. The ferry *Særún* operates with fewer stops and less frequent departures, making it less appealing to visitors accustomed to the reliability and efficiency of *Baldur*. Furthermore, the limited capacity of *Særún* means that it cannot handle the volume of traffic that *Baldur* once did, leading to longer wait times and potential overcrowding.

The decision to suspend *Baldur* without prior discussion has also drawn criticism from local leaders and business owners. Jakob highlighted that the lack of communication has created a sense of frustration among residents who rely on the ferry for both personal and commercial purposes. He noted that the suspension of the ferry could lead to a decline in tourism, affecting local businesses such as restaurants and accommodations. The mayor also warned that the disruption might have long-term consequences for the ferry service, including potential job losses and a decrease in visitor numbers.

The situation has further complicated matters for the local tourism sector, as the ferry *Baldur* is a vital link between the mainland and the islands. With the current setup, tourists face challenges in accessing the island efficiently, potentially deterring them from visiting altogether. The ferry's temporary removal has thus placed additional pressure on alternative transportation options, which may not be sufficient to meet the demand during peak travel periods.

As the situation continues to unfold, there is growing anticipation for a resolution that addresses the concerns of both the local community and the tourism industry. While the immediate focus is on restoring the ferry service, there is also a need for a more comprehensive approach to ensure that future decisions consider the broader implications for the region's economy and infrastructure. The ongoing discussions and debates surrounding this issue underscore the complex interplay between public policy, local governance, and the needs of the community.